Although the small windship trade that has been operating for thousands of years has never stopped, the number of small vessels under 500 GT sailing using wind as their primary energy source, or using wind-assist wind propulsion technology, has steadily increased in recent years. Small, working sail vessels represent a potential major growth market. There has been a near-doubling of the sub-500 GT windship fleet in the last 12 months. The opportunity for reducing fossil fuel use on smaller vessels engaged in domestic and international trades makes wind energy an attractive, viable option which is supported by the availability of multiple mature technologies.
Currently, in addition to surviving indigenous sail fleets, there are over twelve traditional sail cargo vessels operating mainly in the Atlantic and North Sea regions along with the SV Kwai operating in the Pacific. There are also a growing number of projects. Over the past year there have been launchings of, or preparations for launchings for, several modern purpose-built vessels including, the Grain de Sail 2 – 52m, 350dwt (North Atlantic), Juren Ae – 48m, 290dwt (Pacific / Marshall Islands), Artemis and Anemos – 81m, 1,000dwt [North/South Atlantic), and Lo Entropy – 24m, 100dwt (North Sea/Baltic). The International Windship Association (IWSA) Small Windships publication brings together lots of information on the small vessel windship fleet, who have been ahead of the curve for decades in all the same market segments as conventional ships, just at a smaller scale.
This volume is a comprehensive and engaging resource for anyone interested in the history of the seafaring world. It offers a glimpse into the lives of sailors, the challenges they faced, and the stories they lived. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of maritime history.
Captain Geoff Boerne, the publication editor says: “The aim of the Small Windships publication is to share with the small vessel industry and general public that there is in fact a small windships industry and wind powered shipping sector, and further, to enlighten those who work in it, or want to in the future, as to who is doing what and why, and that you are not alone and never have been.” He continues, “The articles submitted, and opinions offered in this edition are those of the authors and not of the International Windship Association (IWSA) or the Small Windship Publication’s editorial team, but we do hope that these articles will stimulate debate that will test theories, ideas and values using this annual publication as one of the platforms to move the sector forward.”
Steven Woods, assistant editor of the publication, says: “In a world where ships of 45,000 tons displacement are not uncommon, it can sometimes be very unclear how the small vessel fleet could possibly make a difference to world trade. However, since most of the non-sailing public interacts only with small vessels in the form of vacation cruises, historic ships, recreational boats, environmental education programs, and occasionally goods delivered by sail freight, it is easy to argue that small sail vessels are the ideal platform for showing the power of wind propulsion and the path to rapidly decarbonizing transportation the world over.”
The small vessel sector is a key part of the maritime industry’s transition to a more sustainable future. It offers a range of benefits, including:
* **Reduced emissions:** Small vessels can significantly reduce emissions compared to larger ships, particularly in congested areas. * **Improved efficiency:** Small vessels can navigate more efficiently through narrow channels and ports, reducing fuel consumption and travel time.
The IWSA Small Windships publication can be rad, in full, here: https://issuu.com/international_windship_association/docs/iwsa_-_small_vessel_publication Source: International Windship Association (IWSA)
